Pitchfork

Venerable Chicago label Thrill Jockey is 15 years old. And since you can't exactly issue a veteran record label a learner's permit, they're celebrating the big 1-5 instead with a series of intercontinental flights and booze-soaked soirees. Hey, just like the time I turned 15! (Not really, mom.)

On November 11 and 12, Thrill Jockey vets and newbies alike will take the stage at London's Koko to toast the label at a party presented by All Tomorrow's Parties. November 11 is an all-day event with the Fiery Furnaces, Califone, the Sea and Cake, and others, while the 12th finds Tortoise headlining something that more closely approximates a "normal" show, which includes a set from new Thrill Jockey signing KTL, aka Sunn O))) guitarist Stephen O'Malley and Mego label boss Peter "Pita" Rehber.

A Chicago party is in the works for December as well.

What's more, Trey Told 'Em, aka Gregg "Girl Talk" Gillis and partner Frank Musarra will somehow manage to squeeze the width and breadth of the Thrill Jockey catalog onto a mix CD, which will be given away free at the anniversary shows. In case you ever wondered how Tortoise's "Djed" would sound rubbing elbows with Lil Wayne's "Go DJ", you may be in luck. UPDATE: There will only be Thrill Jockey artists on the mix. So, alas, no Lil Wayne. Unless, of course, Thrill Jockey signs Lil Wayne.

But wait, there's even more! A limited edition box set is in the works, containing 7"s of Thrill Jockey bands covering their favorite Thrill Jockey tunes. Many of the fest acts contribute tracks, as do David Byrne, Freakwater, Thalia Zedek, and Pullman. We're not so sure when this thing drops or who else is on it, but it sounds damn good on paper, huh?

11-11: Fiery Furnaces, Trans Am, the Sea and Cake, Califone, Arbouretum, Radian, the Zincs, Daniel Higgs and Chiara Giovando
11-12: Tortoise, Bobby Conn, ADULT., KTL